AccelerateHER 2018: Closed for Entries

In 2017 our AccelerateHER Growth Award winners accessed an incredible top level week in California with terrific results – new investment, extensive new business and a much extended network of top industry leaders and finance community ‘shakers and movers’.

In 2018, AccelerateHER goes bigger! Up to 6 winners will now access either a repeat of the California opportunity or an exciting new ‘mission’ programme in Dubai; gateway to doing business in the MENA Region and beyond.

The 2018 Growth Award is now open to all growth potential, entrepreneurial women-led businesses in Scotland. In addition to potentially accessing these unique market and finance building opportunities in California and Dubai; this is also a fantastic opportunity for growth aspiring businesswomen to showcase their companies before an audience in Scotland which includes angel investors, commercial advisers and fellow entrepreneurs. The competition gives participants an ideal platform for attracting business angel investment which the majority of our finalists to date have actually done!

Based on the unprecedented success of the AccelerateHER Awards to date this is the third year the Awards have been run by Investing Women; Scotland’s all female business angel group.

The Award’s winners will benefit from access to Dubai, USA and wider international market opportunities and will be directly connected with potential financiers and industry contacts.

Dubai winners will travel there around the 16th April 2018 (final dates tbc) and California winners will travel out in early September 2018 (final dates tbc).

Entrants will initially be asked to submit a video pitch via the Investing Women’s website outlining their business, its ambitions, growth plans and investor potential. All those who register will access free professional pitch advice and webinar training, with the finalists also accessing 1:1 coaching to harness their creativity and improve their presentation style.

A panel of highly experienced judges will then review the submissions and draw up a shortlist of 12-15 entrants who will present to a panel at the end of February 2017. From there approx. 9 finalists will be invited to the Investing Women Ambition and Growth conference in Edinburgh on 8 March, 2018 where they will make their pitch to an audience comprised of some of the country’s most successful business leaders.

If you wish to register an interest, would like more information or have questions about the competition, please contact: